TMNT Season 4: September 10 / TMNT CN 6:30am

[TurtleTitan]

According to ninjaturtles.com Season 4 of the series should start September 10th. Also, Cartoon Network is moving the Turtles to a very early 6:30am timeslot. Here's the official release.


Season Four is currently scheduled to debut on September 10 in the USA. Note that this may change and is a tentative date. I don't know when we'll have synopses, but it will probably be a few more months before they show up - if they show up. The producers may decide that they don't want us to post synopses. Time will tell.

Good news for early birds - Cartoon Network is moving the TMNT toon to a 6:30 AM time slot as of May 2.

[CyberCubed]

Wow, it's official. TMNT is dead on Cartoon Network. First it got moved out of Miguzi at 5:30pm to 2:30am, and now it's on at freakin' 6:30am!?

Wow. Is TMNT really doing THAT bad in the ratings?

[Ian]

That cinches it: the Mutants and Monsters story is probably a six- or at the most, an eight-parter. Oh, and if history is any indication, "Sept. 10" probably means "Sept. 17".

And 6:30? Damn. Good news for me, bad news for the rest of the world.

[CyberCubed]

Here's hoping CN doesn't get new episodes before 4kidsTV again, I aint waking up at 6:30am to see them. It really is a pity to see TMNT doing so awful on CN, you would think that kids would like all the action and stuff, oh well.

[Simpler Simon]

The producers may decide that they don't want us to post synopses. Time will tell.
Maybe the negative backlash from over-hyping the season 3 finale made its way back to the producers. But hey, if you can't deliver, don't tease.

[Andrew T. Hingson]

Here's hoping CN doesn't get new episodes before 4kidsTV again, I aint waking up at 6:30am to see them. It really is a pity to see TMNT doing so awful on CN, you would think that kids would like all the action and stuff, oh well.
If CN gets new episodes, I hope they move TMNT to Toonami and just encore 4kidsTV's episodes from the previous day or previous week or whatever. But I'm really pulling for a prime time slot. I really hate how CN goes out of it's way to alienate viewers over 11. They get tweens and teens VERY easily despite what people say about the fickleness of that demographic. TMNT has a very broad appeal but isn't quite hitting the mark with kids. This is no reason to faze it out though. They should just remarket it. The toys are still selling and unless 4kidsTV goes under TMNT will continue to churn out 26 episodes a year. That's a LOT of episodes for an original production. I'm quite pleased that TMNT has lasted this long. I'm not too excited about the next season though. I'll probably watch it 'em but it's not a must see to me.

[Killtacular]

TMNT has a very broad appeal
It clearly doesn't, I'm sorry.

[Brettfern]

Wow, it's official. TMNT is dead on Cartoon Network. First it got moved out of Miguzi at 5:30pm to 2:30am, and now it's on at freakin' 6:30am!?
That's an OK time for me. I can watch it before school while I'm having breakfast!

[James Bester]

I really hate how CN goes out of it's way to alienate viewers over 11. They get tweens and teens VERY easily despite what people say about the fickleness of that demographic. TMNT has a very broad appeal but isn't quite hitting the mark with kids.The series was on Miguzi for nearly a frickin year. I think it did pretty well if you ask me.

And I just don't see how TMNT has a great appeal to tweens and teens. I've never watched an entire episode, but I always thought it was only meant to appeal to kids, especially after hearing the theme song. Face it. CN didn't take off TMNT due to its ratings being above the 6-11 demo. They took it off, because it just plain failed after 2004 ended.

[Zero-V]

I always thought it was only meant to appeal to kids, especially after hearing the theme song..
You'd be wrong, but that's another reason why TMNT fans hate that bloody theme song, it misleads an audience.

[Ian]

It clearly doesn't, I'm sorry.
Wouldn't it be ironic if the constant Japan references were what's driving people away? Just thinking about it makes me smile.


But it raises the question, why doesn't it have the appeal of, say, JLU or Teen Titans? It's usually as well written as the first and as well animated as the second, so why doesn't it catch on? I'd really like to know how well it did on Miguzi vs. Teen Titans, since TT had a much smaller pool of reruns to rely on.




Simple Simon: Maybe the negative backlash from over-hyping the season 3 finale made its way back to the producers. But hey, if you can't deliver, don't tease.
I don't understand. The executive producers only care about ratings, and I assume the hype only helped bolster them. Now, if there was a sudden drop-off in the ratings next season's premiere I'd get your point, but now...I don't see how they'd have a problem with any alleged backlash.




Zero-V: You'd be wrong, but that's another reason why TMNT fans hate that bloody theme song, it misleads an audience.
You know, while I don't like the song, I have to say the opening itself is quite nice. The visuals complement the song almost too well; most of the season 1 stars are displayed prominently; and it has a nice mix of new/show footage. That being said, I wish it had been changed once Season 3 began: by the time season 2 ended, the show had already expanded its horizons beyond NYC, and I wish the opening had reflected that.




gundam123: I've never watched an entire episode, but I always thought it was only meant to appeal to kids, especially after hearing the theme song.
Funny, I can see several ways it might not— which may be part of the problem. The heavily serialized storytelling; the “parents and sons” theme that lies at the heart of the whole thing; the overt selfishness of the characters; and the willingness of the writers to ignore the turtles for a while and let other characters carry the action always seemed like things meant to appeal to the older set.

[Simpler Simon]

I don't understand. The executive producers only care about ratings, and I assume the hype only helped bolster them. Now, if there was a sudden drop-off in the ratings next season's premiere I'd get your point, but now...I don't see how they'd have a problem with any alleged backlash.
I'm assuming that the producers include Peter Laird and Lloyd Goldfine, who would be the TMNT equivalent of Bruce Timm and Dwayne McDuffie to JLU: guys that care about the show and have a personal investment in what they make. Maybe they thought the finale was unfairly overhhyped, and fans wanted more than the higher-ups would let them deliver. Maybe they took the negative reaction to Shredder's survival personally. If thats the case, it might be a "less they know, the less they'll expect from us" mindset. This is all speculation of course, and I'm sure Laird and Goldfine are much better at taking criticism than I make them out to be, but its odd that the official site may not post a season 4 guide, when they've done it for 3 seasons straight.

As for why TMNT isn't doing well in its time slot, hard to say. Do kids still come home and watch cartoons every day after school, or do they go outside or stay for extracarricular stuff? Did they already catch all the episodes on Saturdays? Did they buy all the dvds (which were released rather fast, that has to cut into syndication ratings)? Also, not every old school turtles fan is watching the new series. I have friends who loved the old Turtles, but are only vaguely aware of the new show no matter how much I hype it to them.

[Mandi-chan]

I like the new time slot on CN because I'm up that early! In fact, lots of kids are. Children and teens alike, so it may do better there.

I want the show to stay on the air until it decides to end, like Buffy did. And I'm sure the ending will please the fanbase.

[Dark Fact]

I think as long as TMNT stays over the 1.0 Nielsen rating on Saturday mornings, it'll continue to go on. However, I can't see that series going past 5 seasons.

I can't wait for the synopsis to be put up on the official site.....that is...if it gets put up! :shrug:

[Nobody You Know]

Well, it was fun while it lasted.

[CyberCubed]

I think as long as TMNT stays over the 1.0 Nielsen rating on Saturday mornings, it'll continue to go on. However, I can't see that series going past 5 seasons.

I can't wait for the synopsis to be put up on the official site.....that is...if it gets put up! :shrug:

The show is being carried by the toy sales, not only the ratings.

I can only see the TMNT cartoon being cancelled if either the toy sales start sucking, or 4kidsTV goes under.

As long as 4kidsTV stays on the air, 4kids will most likely renew TMNT season after season, as they know it's one of their main heavy hitters.

This is why I pray every day that 4kidsTV doesn't die altogether, TMNT depends on it's survival.

[TurtleTitan]

I can only see the TMNT cartoon being cancelled if either the toy sales start sucking, or 4kidsTV goes under.

As long as 4kidsTV stays on the air, 4kids will most likely renew TMNT season after season, as they know it's one of their main heavy hitters.Yeah, I'm thinking the same thing. TMNT, Sonic, and Winx are the ones that are pulling in good ratings (with TMNT being the third highest).

[Dark Fact]

I can see TMNT running as long as Peter Laird has source material from the comics to work with. Once the comics are done, I don't know how he could keep the line going! :shrug:

[Master Moron]

[size=3][font=Times New Roman]But it raises the question, why doesn't it have the appeal of, say, JLU or Teen Titans? It's usually as well written as the first and as well animated as the second, so why doesn't it catch on?


Ninja Turtles is in no way written as well as Justice League. Actually, when I first started watching the show I had a hard time taking it seriously since the writing was terrible at times. Michaelangelo specifically sometimes says the stupidest lines. I have no problem with comic relief characters(I love Flash on Justice League), but Michaelangelo isn't even funny. It's as if he just tries to be as annoying and as dumb as possible.

[jlaking]

Wow, it's official. TMNT is dead on Cartoon Network. First it got moved out of Miguzi at 5:30pm to 2:30am, and now it's on at freakin' 6:30am!?

Wow. Is TMNT really doing THAT bad in the ratings?You would think that a show would get better at 6:30 am than at 2:30 am.

I know that was a mistake by CyberCube but it should get ratings at its new timeslot.

[shoujoaifan]

It clearly doesn't, I'm sorry.It has appeal.....just not to 6-11, the ones who count. So.....yeah.
The series was on Miguzi for nearly a frickin year. I think it did pretty well if you ask me.That is pretty good since most series on CN/Toonami/Miguzi will get replaced by another show until a new season is ready-unless its REALLY popular of course, like DBZ or Totally Spies. BUT a year is still good, it would have to have a few runs of repeats within that time (its now up to 78 episodes, right?)
You'd be wrong, but that's another reason why TMNT fans hate that bloody theme song, it misleads an audience.

You know, while I don't like the song, I have to say the opening itself is quite nice. The visuals complement the song almost too well; most of the season 1 stars are displayed prominently; and it has a nice mix of new/show footage. That being said, I wish it had been changed once Season 3 began: by the time season 2 ended, the show had already expanded its horizons beyond NYC, and I wish the opening had reflected that. Amen on the visuals matching up.(except fot that tacky looking CGI sign in the beginning). BESIDES, considering the trouble the show is having on CN right now, would we WANT the theme song to be misleading? (See my last part of my post below.)

Also, and I KNOW I'm getting get boo's from this, but what's BAD with the theme song? As far as rap themes to kids shows that are designed to tell the kids the general plot to the show, its GOOD. I remember when the show came out, nearly everyone compared it the orinigal. The orinigal is good-FOR a 80's rock theme that was designed to tell the kids the general plot to the show.

They're BOTH good for what they are (Designed to tell the kids the general plot to the show, blah blah blah........). If its just personal taste, that's fine, I'm not trying to impose. I prefer theme songs that either don't have words, or if they do, then says nothing about the show itself. (Although thats mainly so I don't sound like a geek if playing them in a public setting.)

But it raises the question, why doesn't it have the appeal of, say, JLU or Teen Titans? It's usually as well written as the first and as well animated as the second, so why doesn't it catch on? I'd really like to know how well it did on Miguzi vs. Teen Titans, since TT had a much smaller pool of reruns to rely on. For TT: Its GOOFY!

OOOOOOOOOHHH, its had its serious moments every season, but C'MON: Not only is it light-hearted for the most part, its also anime-like, which, with TT's now unique style after adapting standard anime gimicks, some FLCL-styled expressions and visuals gags, some American visuals and gags, some visuals and gags standard to animation world-over, and OF COURSE their own creativity, let's face it, TT easily lends itself to the comedy kids enjoy.

THAT'S why, time after time after time, we've seen well written (RELATIVE AND SUBJECTIVE) serious (RELATIVE AND SUBJECTIVE) shows, like Kenshin and Gundam SEED (both RELATIVE AND SUBJECTIVE) get booted off while shows like Totally Spies stay on (And YES, I know Kenshin came back, I was refering to the first time, and obviously its second time was only a modest place holder for DBGT) .

For JLU: Batman and Superman baby.

While "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" became a household name in the 80's and lived on after the first two shows until the current show brought it back to popularity with kids, ol' Bats and Supes have been practically institutions since our grandparents' and great-grandparents' times.

[Fone Bone]

Ninja Turtles is in no way written as well as Justice League. Actually, when I first started watching the show I had a hard time taking it seriously since the writing was terrible at times. Michaelangelo specifically sometimes says the stupidest lines. I have no problem with comic relief characters(I love Flash on Justice League), but Michaelangelo isn't even funny. It's as if he just tries to be as annoying and as dumb as possible.I agree wholeheartedly. It's a good show but TMNT has it's fair share of groaner lines and cop-out endings. JLU (and Gargoyles) are far superior shows in the writing department.

As for The Big Bad saying that the animation is as good as Teen Titans, let's just say I disagree.

[Zero-V]

Justuce Leauge was groslly overated for it's first two seasons, give or take a few decent efforts, as well as three or four incredible episodes. Unlimited however, was a huge improvment.

[Fone Bone]

Justuce Leauge was groslly overated for it's first two seasons, give or take a few decent efforts, as well as three or four incredible episodes. Unlimited however, was a huge improvment.I agree season one was overrated but I liked season two a lot. Either way, in both seasons, with a few noticable exceptions on TMNT's part Justice League was still a better written show.

[Pathfinder1011]

I myself am looking forward to this new season. I don't really care what channel they show for as long as I see them eventually. They do have to change the that opening theme song.
How about to the original song from the first version.;)

[Ian]

I agree wholeheartedly. It's a good show but TMNT has it's fair share of groaner lines and cop-out endings. JLU (and Gargoyles) are far superior shows in the writing department.
Let me elaborate: while JLU may be better written than TMNT, TMNT is infinitively better plotted. For a team with ten+ years of experience, they sure come up with some pretty huge plot holes (The Greatest Story Never Told, The Return, The Doomsday Sanction). Plus, they still haven't quite got the hang of serial storytelling. Finally--not that it has anything to do with anything--JLU's writing seems...smug, and has an "aren't-I-clever" tone which bugs me.

Topic? Bring on Season 4.

[Fone Bone]

Let me elaborate: while JLU may be better written than TMNT, TMNT is infinitively better plotted. For a team with ten+ years of experience, they sure come up with some pretty huge plot holes (The Greatest Story Never Told, The Return, The Doomsday Sanction). I think the Turtles meeting Casey when they were all little kids was a pretty huge plot hole. I've yet to see JLU deliver a plot hole that actually wrecked continuity.


Plus, they still haven't quite got the hang of serial storytelling. I'd normally agree with this, but I'm actually going to reserve judgement until the remainder of season 2 airs. It's rumored they finally HAVE got the story arc thing down. (Then again, Exodus was supposed to have been watershed as well.)


Finally--not that it has anything to do with anything--JLU's writing seems...smug, and has an "aren't-I-clever" tone which bugs me. Hey, I have no problem with writers who think they are clever as that only drives them to make sure they actually are.;)


Topic? Bring on Season 4.Yeah, I'm honestly not as excited as I thought I was gonna be after Exodus Part 2. I'll definately watch it but Exodus part 2 was such a huge let-down.

I still want Turtle plushies though.:D

[Anarky]

6:30 am aka The Kiss of Death
I recall another personal favorite that suffered the wrath of 6:30 am: He-Man

6:30am is where CN sends programs to die

Nevermind that TMNT should've been on the new Toonami line-up instead that POS One Piece...

as long as I can get my Turtle fix on Fox, I'll be ok. The dvds will outlast me.

Kinda sucks we've gotta wait til September for Season Four though.
Since TMNT is dying on CN, maybe Fox can re-run classic TMNT on Sat mornings

[Simpler Simon]

Anyone else see the TMNT commercial during the animation domination block last night? I was kinda surprised by that...and even moreso that they let Mikey pitch the series, of all the characters. The number of people who can tolerate his humour drops dramatically once you step outside the hardcore and kiddie fanbase.

[Andrew T. Hingson]

Transformers has kept that early morning slot for quite some time now. TMNT might be able to keep a 6:30AM slot for a very long time as well. Duel Masters did quite well at 6:00AM.

[Master Moron]

Anyone else see the TMNT commercial during the animation domination block last night? I was kinda surprised by that...and even moreso that they let Mikey pitch the series, of all the characters. The number of people who can tolerate his humour drops dramatically once you step outside the hardcore and kiddie fanbase.

they've been advertising the 4Kids TV shows on the Fox Sunday comedy block for a while now. I've seen that Ninja Turtles ad several times. I've also seen a One Piece ad.